June 22, 2012

America is in a health crisis, and much of it stems from our food system.

80% of all antibiotics are used on factory farm animals. This is a startling and scary statistic.

Chances are, every time you eat meat from a fast food restaurant or buy meat from the grocery store that is not organic, you are probably ingesting unnecessary antibiotics.

Meatwithoutdrugs.org created a short video explaining the health risks of eating animals raised with antibiotics.

"This system is creating antibiotic resistant superbugs that are contaminating our soil, our water and the very food we eat," the video states.

Among the many benefits of eating local, it is often easier and more affordable to buy meat in bulk from a local farm that does not give any antibiotics to their animals.

We recently purchased antibiotic-free beef from Erskine Farm in Saginaw, Mich. (989-781-8949) and antibiotic-free chicken from Garrett Cattle Company (989-944-0124), and I strongly encourage you to buy antibiotic-free meat too!

June 14, 2012

Eating local food is great for the community and the
environment but also for your health. Many people suffer from seasonal
allergies (also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis) especially in the
spring when trees and plants start to release pollen and mold spores into the
air.

When these tiny particles come into contact with your immune system it
creates an allergic reaction inside most people's body leading to the sneezing,
runny noses, sinus congestion and other allergy symptoms.

When bees fly from plant to plant collecting nectar to make
honey they also collect pollen and mold spores on them. While making honey, small amounts of these particles are in the honey. Eating honey that contains these
small particles can mildly stimulate your immune system preparing it for
other pollen or mold particles that you might come into contact with in the
air. If you do have an allergic reaction, this can help to reduce or eliminate
the symptoms you are having.

For honey with health benefits, buy honey that is made as close to where you
live so that the bees are in contact with the same plants you are in contact
with.

Try eating a spoonful of raw local honey everyday prior to and during
allergy season!

June 5, 2012

"If every Michigan household spends $10 each week on Michigan-produced
food, nearly $40 million weekly could be pumped back into the state's
economy," according to a recent article in The Detroit News.

June 1, 2012

Health
activist and author Michael Pollan says "shake the hand that feeds you"
which is some of the best advice you can get when shopping for food.

While many of us shop at the grocery store regularly, the best place to buy your food is straight from the farmer. This month I encourage you to eat local as much as possible -- whether it is from your garden, a CSA or your local farmers' market.

In 2012, I challenge you to do a new month’s resolution instead of a new year’s resolution. This year, let’s celebrate accomplishments and re-focus on new goals each month.

On the first of every month, a new month’s resolution will be posted on DrKehres.com. Share your updates in the comments below or on the Kehres Health Facebook page. Articles and tips will be posted with each resolution.

Disclaimer:These statements are of a general nature and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using any product.